Team News
Manchester United head into the trip to Villa Park dealing with a familiar set of availability issues, while Aston Villa also have several key names under observation. The hosts could receive a boost with Emiliano Martinez edging closer to a return after missing the last two fixtures with a back problem, with Unai Emery suggesting the goalkeeper is feeling significantly improved. Even so, Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley remain sidelined, while Harvey Elliott has been battling illness and Jadon Sancho is unable to face his parent club.
Villa are expected to cope with Torres’ absence by continuing with Victor Lindelof in central defence, a solution Emery has leaned on in recent weeks. Marcos Senesi is fit to feature, which is crucial given the lack of depth at the back, and the spine of the side should otherwise remain unchanged following last weekend’s comeback victory.
United’s defensive resources remain stretched. Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are both still unavailable, while Noussair Mazraoui has already departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. Their absences are likely to prompt a reshuffle, with Patrick Dorgu set to return and Diogo Dalot expected to operate on the right flank. Benjamin Sesko, recently back from a knee issue, should lead the line in Mbeumo’s absence. Casemiro is suspended after accumulating yellow cards, leaving Ruben Amorim with a decision to make in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo could finally be handed his first league start of the season, although Manuel Ugarte remains an alternative if Amorim opts for greater physicality.
Form Guide
Aston Villa’s rise into the title conversation has gathered real momentum over recent weeks. Emery’s side have strung together an impressive run of results, most recently overturning a deficit at West Ham to claim a 3-2 win, with Morgan Rogers again proving decisive in the final third. That victory kept Villa within touching distance of the summit, and while goal difference may yet count against them, their consistency has forced them into the festive reckoning.
Villa Park has also become an increasingly imposing venue, with the hosts blending intensity and control, particularly against sides who struggle defensively in transition. Confidence is high, and belief is growing with each passing round.
United arrive on the back of a chaotic draw with Bournemouth, a match that summed up both the promise and the fragility of Amorim’s early tenure. Despite scoring four goals for the second consecutive league game, United were unable to protect multiple leads, extending a worrying trend of defensive lapses. That said, their attacking output away from home has been encouraging, with goals scored and conceded in each of their last six league matches on the road.
Predicted Outcome
We predict Aston Villa will get a 1-0 win over Manchester United. With hosts in buoyant mood, United short of key personnel and defensive issues still unresolved, this contest appears finely balanced on paper but tilted in the hosts’ favour. After a 4-4 draw, maybe this time there won’t be many goals in United’s game.
